hillary

The ACU is the UK's main governing body for all motorcycle sport and is the one recognised by all other country's national federations.
 
The country is divided into 23 Centres and with regards to trials, the vast majority, when they apply for a permit to run a trial they apply for an Open permit which allows anyone from anywhere in England and Wales to ride in the event without having to join the organising club. If the club applies for a Restricted permit, they can then put on any restriction they like - must be a member of the organising club,  must ride a four stroke bike, or be a one legged seaman in wellingtons - get my drift!! They can put on any restriction they like, but usually it's the need to join the organising club.
 
All trials riders must join a club, usually the one local to them or the one they prefer to ride with. The club issues them with a Unique Number at the time of joining and the rider then applies for an ACU Trials Registration Card and to obtain this he pays a £10 fee and quotes the Unique Number he has been given. Once the rider has the card he can then ride in any trial anywhere in England and Wales. Scotland usually require the rider to join a club in Scotland or pay a small extra fee.
 
Hope this is clear.
 
Mike Rapley, ACU Trials and Enduro Committee member